GHSA Policy

Despite progress in other areas, such as increased seat belt usage and fewer drunk driving deaths, speeding continues to be a contributing factor in a significant number of roadway fatalities. In 2016, there were 9,717 people who died in speeding-related crashes (26% of all fatalities).1

Speeding is often one component of aggressive driving, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines as "committing a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." Some states have passed aggressive driving laws that delineate these actions, including: speeding; red light running; failure to yield; following too closely; improper passing; etc.

To make progress toward zero deaths on our nation's roadways, both speeding and aggressive driving deserve the same emphasis as occupant protection and impaired driving programs

States are combating speeding and aggressive driving in several ways, including increased data-driven enforcement, technological advances, and public information and education programs that focus on the dangers of aggressive driving, provide tips for safe driving or publicize upcoming enforcement programs.

GHSA recommends that states address speeding through aggressive driving enforcement and targeted enforcement in school and work zones, since approaches in these areas have a higher degree of public support.

In addition, GHSA encourages NHTSA to: sponsor a national high-visibility enforcement campaign on speeding and aggressive driving; promote best practices in automated enforcement strategies; and sponsor a national forum on speeding and aggressive driving to bring experts together to develop an action plan and share tools and best practices.

Facts & Figures

Laws

GHSA tracks speed limits for both urban and rural interstates, as well as other limited access roads. In addition, GHSA tracks state aggressive driving laws, which cover a range of unsafe driver behaviors.